Milford Sound
Traversing the valleys and hills of Aotearoa on foot is one of the earliest and most ingrained parts of our culture . From the original beaten paths used by Māori to gather food and hunt, to the first European settlers exploring on foot in the 1800’s, tramping for either necessity or leisure is well known to many Kiwis.
One of the most popular and spectacular destinations for hiking in New Zealand is the rugged Te Wāi Pounamu/South West New Zealand World Heritage Area that includes Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Fiordland and Mount Aspiring national parks, covering 2.6 million hectares.
Fiordland was well known to Māori; few people permanently lived in the area but seasonal food-gathering camps were linked by well-worn trails. A translucent greenstone, Takiwai, could be sourced from specific spots in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, enticing many people to make the journey on foot for the spoils.
Of New Zealand’s thousands of walking tracks, nine multi-day hikes have been deemed ‘Great Walks’ by the Department of Conservation (DOC). This means that the tracks show off some of the most extraordinary and diverse landscapes our country has to offer, are well-maintained and marked for trampers and have well-serviced huts. Three of these Great Walks are located in the stunning Fiordland National Park; the Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track.
The hiking season for Great Walks ranges from October to April. If you’re planning on completing a Great Walk in Fiordland, we’ve got the details you need to know at the start of your planning journey!
There are also times when it’s preferable to have a tramping adventure outdoors but then return to a nice bed and hot shower at your accommodation – that’s where our favourite day walks in Fiordland come in.
Great Walks of New Zealand in Fiordland
Duration: 4 days
Length: 53.5km one way
Huts: Clinton Hut, Mintaro Hut, Dumpling Hut (camping not permitted)
The Milford Track holds four days of dramatic valley views and vivid beech forests that kicks off on your first day with a boat cruise from Te Anau Downs and a short walk to Clinton Hut. The following days will need a little leg work with 5.5 to 6.5 hours of hiking per day, but the pay off for your efforts includes highlights like the Pompolona ice field, Clinton Valley, McKinnon pass with a memorial to explorer Quintin McKinnon, the huge 580m Sutherland Falls and multiple stunning lakes. The Milford Track is arguably New Zealand’s most famous walk.
Duration: 3-4 days
Length: 60km loop
Huts: Luxmore Hut, Iris Burn Hut, Moturau Hut
Campsites: Brod Bay campsite, Iris Burn campsite
If a track begins along the shore of the largest body of freshwater in Australasia (Lake Te Anau), you know you’re in for a treat. The Kepler Track can be completed in 3-4 with options to either camp or stay in the serviced huts and has a few challenging climbs that can be overcome with a steady pace. On the Kepler you’ll experience some of the best alpine hiking around, from waking up just below Mount Luxmore on Day 2 (summit optional as a side trip) to valleys, gorges, and even a beach-side hut.
Duration: 2-4 days
Length: 33km one way
Huts: Routeburn Flats Hut, Routeburn Falls Hut, Lake Mackenzie Hut,
Campsites: Routeburn Flats campsite, Lake Mackenzie Campsite
Linking Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, the Routeburn Track is a popular choice for trampers for both its well-known hut system and iconic scenery. Amble across the famous swing bridges of Fiordland, marvel at the Humboldt and Darren Mountains, and traverse across the exposed Hollyford Face. As you only have 33km to cover and a comprehensive hut system on offer, you can take your time with shorter days to appreciate the environment around you.
Our Favourite Day Hikes in Fiordland
Milford Track day walk and Milford Sound Cruise
For those that can’t choose between exploring the 8th wonder of the world by boat or land, the new combo experience with Southern Discoveries helps you do it all! Now you can explore the famous Milford Track as a do-able day walk and take the Milford Sound Nature Cruise to go further into the fiord. Book now for your summer walking adventure.
South Mavora Lake Walking Track
Duration: 2.5 hours
Hike from swingbridge to swingbridge guided by the shores of the Mararoa River, eventually enjoying South Mavora Lake at the river’s outlet.
Duration: 3 hours
The Key Summit Track offers the perfect look at the Routeburn Track and Fiordland National Park for those on a tight schedule or only looking for a half-day hike. You’ll hike the Routeburn Track for around an hour from the carpark before turning off toward Key Summit.
Duration: 45 minutes
Lake Mistletoe track is a lovely short walk suitable for families that takes you through forest and bush. You have a good chance of spotting wetland wildlife like frogs and New Zealand scaup (duck) at the track’s lake.
Earland Falls Track
Duration: 6 hours
As another day hike option on the Routeburn Track, take Earland Falls Track to discover a massive 174m high waterfall nestled between Hwoden and Mackenzie huts.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Hidden Falls Track is a full day hike located off of the Hollyford Track. While not a Great Walk, the Hollyford Track is well-regarded as one of the best multi-day hikes in Fiordland and the Hidden Falls Track will see you walking sections of the track as a day hike option.
Being prepared in the outdoors
- Always check your route information on official websites before you go and note the skill level required.
- Take two forms of maps or navigation and know how to read it.
You can purchase official printed topographical maps for the area you’re visiting from Bivouac Outdoor or some local info centres. You can download the NZ Topo50 App that provides your GPS location without cell phone reception. - Always carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that sends your location to rescue services in an emergency situation, especially if you’re hiking alone or on unfamiliar tracks. These can be hired affordably from most Macpac stores or outdoor equipment stores.
- Pack clothing and emergency gear for any conditions. Weather and temperature change rapidly and unpredictably in alpine environments.
Walking tracks in New Zealand are as plentiful as nuts in scroggin. If you’re craving an escape into nature that will allow you to disconnect from the world to reconnect with yourself and make new hut friends, consider attempting a Great Walk of New Zealand!
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